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IP Networking and Its Impact On Video Surveillance: Whitepaper
IP Networking and Its Impact On Video Surveillance: Whitepaper
Introduction
Video surveillance is critical for business. Different organizations use video surveillance to protect peoples safety, protect valuable assets, or minimize risks associated with criminal activity. In the past, only larger companies could afford IP video surveillance. Now, the proliferation of IP networks and falling prices on IP video cameras are making these solutions an attractive option for many industry sectors, including retail shops, educational institutions, governments, and any business requiring security surveillance. One of the biggest trends in surveillance is the accelerating shift to IP from analog. With about 15 million surveillance cameras installed in the United States today, almost 10 percent are now IP based.
For the past 20 years, most monitoring and surveillance applications have used analog technology. Videocassette recorders (VCRs) recorded feeds from analog cameras (see Figure 1). The solution boasted a manageable price point and reasonable ease of use. However, analog systems are not without shortcomings. Analog CCTV systems generally offer no remote accessibility and are notoriously difficult to integrate with other systems. Analog systems are labor intensive, since operators need to change tapes often and perform system maintenance. Tape wear and tear is an everpresent problem. Recorded images are low-resolution, and often not sufficient for official investigations.
VCR
Analog Cameras
The introduction of digital video recorders (DVRs) improved upon a strictly analog system. A video server connects existing cameras to the IP network, and the video is stored on an IP network server (see Figure 2). This solution eliminates the issues created by degrading tape quality and the need to change tapes constantly.
Security Application Special Application
Reception
Storage
Alarm I/O
Workstations
IP Network
Firewall
This solution introduces many advantages: Remotely access video feeds, eliminating the need for dedicated security monitors in a central office Secure, password-protected access anywhere there is an Internet connection Remotely control cameras and other aspects of the surveillance system Easily integrates with other systems and applications Lower TCO (total cost of ownership) by leveraging existing IP network infrastructure and legacy cameras
Network Camera-based Video Systems
The next step that completes the migration to a complete IP-based surveillance solution is the introduction of network cameras (IP cameras). Companies can connect as many IP cameras as needed directly to the IP network (see Figure 3). This provides a new set of added benefits: Flexible video access options, from restricted to authorized to public Supports both local or remote access Cameras install easily and affordably to the existing IP network Eliminates the need for expensive coaxial cabling to cameras Viewing footage requires only a computer and a web browser or dedicated software Shares a unified communications network with data, voice, and wireless traffic, reducing operations and maintenance costs
LAN LAN/Internet
Network Cameras
PoE Switch
One key advantage of using IP networks for surveillance is their ability to protect the integrity and availability of recorded surveillance video and images. IP networks integrate many features that prevent data loss, back up mission-critical data, and recover quickly from outages. A network management system can monitor all networked devicesincluding cameras, switches, access points, and storage devicesand automatically generate alerts or notifications if issues are detected. For example, if an IP camera goes offline, a network management system can immediately alert administrators, who can thenfrom wherever they arereassign another camera to cover that area. If a storage unit is unavailable, the back-up storage can automatically take over and no recorded data is lost.
Flexible Camera Deployment
Analog cameras are limited in their deployment options, since they must connect directly to a DVR via a cable. In contrast, IP network cameras can by deployed anywhere reachable by Ethernet cabling or a wireless access point, expanding deployment options to include longer reaches or even outdoor coverage. Power over Ethernet (PoE), a feature unavailable in analog video systems, simplifies installation of network cameras/video encoders, reduces installation and maintenance costs, and improves reliability in IP video surveillance systems. PoE enables IP network devices to receive power from a PoE-enabled switch or mid-span through the same standard cable that transmits IP data. You do not need to hire a certified electrician to install separate power linesa big advantage for network cameras, particularly in difficult-to-reach areas. It is important to determine the type of camera each surveillance area needs, as different cameras have different power requirements. The PoE standard supports 15.4W, sufficient for most common network cameras. However, a pan-tile-zoom (PTZ) camera, which detects motion, turns, and zooms in towards movement, requires 20-30W of power to operate. PTZ cameras need the support of PoE Plus, a new standard which provides up to 30W of power. Many of the latest switches support PoE Plus. IP networks also make it easier to adjust surveillance coverage when needed. You can add, move, or remove cameras without taking other cameras or equipment offline. This simplicity and flexibility further ensures there are no gaps in your recording.
Even in cases where large amounts of video traffic require additional IP network capacity, pure IP surveillance systems are less disruptive to install than their analog counterparts are. Unlike analog systems, which require coaxial, Fiber, or unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling from every camera to a DVR, IP-based cameras leverage existing Ethernet ports. Some IP cameras can receive power via an Ethernet connection, avoiding expensive and disruptive site modifications to bring power lines to camera locations.
Video requires a lot of storage. A small surveillance system of five basic IP cameras recording continuously for a week consumes over one Terabyte (TB) of storage. Larger deployments of 30 high-resolution cameras using even the latest compression techniques still consume 2TB per week. Fortunately, as the cost per gigabyte of storage drops, it is becoming very affordable to store large amounts of video. There are solutions that increase storage space while protecting data. Built-in redundancy features and automatic backups to remote locations greatly reduce the risk of data being lost.
Wireless
A network camera with wireless support is attractive when running a cable between a LAN and a network camera is impractical, difficult, or expensive. Wireless network cameras are suitable for use outdoors, in historic buildings where the installation of cables would damage the interior, or in cases where there is a need to move cameras to new locations on a regular basis, such as in a supermarket. Ensure that the wireless network camera supports security protocols such as IEEE 802.1X and WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access), which will help secure wireless communication.
Security
A video surveillance network camera should provide different levels of password-protected access. For instance, some authorized users may only have access to view images from specific cameras; others have operator-level access, and a few have access to administer all settings in a network camera. Beyond multi-level password protection, a network camera may offer AES encryption to secure video streams; IP address filtering, which gives or denies access rights to defined IP addresses; IEEE 802.1X to control network access; and user access logs.
Network Management
During network congestion periods, Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities in network switches prioritize and reserve network capacity for missioncritical video. Assigning a high priority to video traffic guarantees its timely delivery. Logically separating different types of traffic on a network is another way to optimize video delivery and increase network security. Virtual LANs (VLANs) divide an IP network into different logical segments. You can use a VLAN to separate video traffic from other data such as IP phones and business applications. Video traffic that is on its own VLAN is easy to manage and prioritize.
Shelf 1 Shelf 2 Store Entrance
PoE Switch UTM Firewall Network Video Recorder and Network Storage
Monitoring Laptop
Warehouse
Internet
Summary
As a result of the many benefits of IP video surveillance including lower TCO, ease of deployment, and remote access, more and more businesses are adopting video surveillance. Organizations who used analog-based CCTV systems in the past are now migrating to complete network-based digital systems. Businesses who could not afford dedicated video surveillance rooms and expensive equipment can now deploy IP cameras for a fraction of the cost of traditional systems and enjoy the extra security and peace of mind that video surveillance brings.
NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless Access Points and Controllers for Reliable Video Over Wireless
NETGEAR ProSafe offers a range of wireless access points (APs) and controllers that deliver advanced speed and range combined with comprehensive security. PoE support in the wireless APs, combined with an easy-to use graphical user interface, make installation quick and easy.
NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, Connect with Innovation, ProSafe, ProSecure and ReadyNAS are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective holder(s). Information is subject to change without notice. 2012 NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.
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